Seanad report urges schools to educate children about farm safety

There are calls for special days in schools to educate children about the dangers farms pose to them.

The recommendation is contained in a new report on Farm Safety to be published by the Seanad today.

It follows the deaths of 30 people in farm accidents across the country last year, the highest number since 1991.

Senator Denis O'Donovan is Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad and he says education is a key component of the document.

He said: "There are a number of recommendations, for example education. Maybe something by Teagasc and their training courses on a special day, or two days, for farm safety.

"In all the education processes in our schools, particularly in rural schools with young farmers' boys and girls attending, there should be a special time set aside.

"Classes to outline the awareness of dangers of machinery."